WEST CHESTER – Now in its 34th year, the Old Fashioned Christmas Parade will make its way through the streets of West Chester on Friday, starting at 7:15 p.m.

The borough was recently named by USA Today as one of the top 10 places in the country where you can celebrate Santa Claus’ arrival.

The mile-long parade route winds its way through the borough’s historic business district, ending with a visit from Santa Claus, and is free and open to the public.

West Chester Mayor Carolyn Comitta said the small town and narrow streets add to the atmosphere and character during the holiday event.

Advertisement

“I think one of the things we do best in West Chester is the town becomes this great place for people to come together,” Comitta said. “The town has a warmth and a coziness.”

Comitta, who will ride through the parade in an antique car with her husband, said she enjoys being a part of the parade because she gets to see all the people who made an effort to attend the event.

“There is a magic created in the that is really delightful,” Comitta said. “People like to be in West Chester whether it’s a parade or a weekend but when you have this special event it really showcases the best of West Chester.”

Anyone wishing to attend the event can find $3 event parking in both the Bicentennial Garage and Chestnut Street Garage. According to Mark Yoder, president of the Chamber of Commerce, part of the borough’s initiative to help with event parking will include keeping the exit gates lifted, starting at 8:30, in an effort avoid traffic build-ups around the garage exits.

Prior to the parade, races will be held, ranging from .5 miles to 2 miles, for various ages. Registration for the races begins at 5:30 p.m., so anyone wishing to participate is encouraged to arrive early.

The Wells Fargo “Light the Night” show will take place this year on High Street, between Market Street and Gay Street.

“We are very excited that this year we are going to have a patriotic division to the parade,” said Yoder. “It’s going to really focus on the troops”

According to Yoder, DNB Bank and the Rotary Club have worked together to produce a float that will have nine veterans and their families riding on it. The parade will also feature a patriotic division, “Celebrate the Military,” with appearances from the U.S. Air Force, Coast Guard and more.